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Sprockets provides an AI-powered hiring platform designed to evaluate job candidates based on the attributes of a company's most successful employees. This sophisticated software utilizes predictive analytics to identify optimal applicants, streamlining the hiring process for hourly workers. Its core capability focuses on matching cultural fit and performance indicators to reduce employee turnover.
The company was founded in 2017 by AJ Richichi, initially operating as Sentio before rebranding. Richichi’s insight stemmed from the critical need for employers with high hourly staff turnover to accurately identify candidates who would thrive in their specific organizational environments. This understanding drove the development of a system prioritizing long-term employee retention.
Sprockets serves businesses managing extensive hourly workforces, aiming to enhance team stability and operational efficiency. The company’s long-term vision centers on transforming hiring practices by removing bias and enabling companies to consistently build lasting teams. Sprockets empowers employers to make data-driven decisions that foster a more engaged and retained workforce.
Sprockets has raised $13.8M across 3 funding rounds.
Sprockets has raised $13.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Sprockets has raised $13.8M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $10.0M Series A in March 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 1, 2022 | $10M Series A | TOM Hawkins | Clear Ventures, First Rays Venture Partners, J.P. Morgan Chase & CO., Nexus Venture Partners, VentureSouth, BLU Ventures, Anya Schiess, Lytical Ventures, Thayer Ventures, VentureSouth | Announced |
| Jan 1, 2021 | $3M Seed | — | VentureSouth | Announced |
| Dec 1, 2018 | $750K Seed | — | VentureSouth | Announced |
Sprockets has raised $13.8M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Sprockets's investors include Tom Hawkins, Clear Ventures, First Rays Venture Partners, J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., Nexus Venture Partners, VentureSouth, Blu Ventures, Anya Schiess, Lytical Ventures, Thayer Ventures.
Sprockets is an AI-powered hiring software company that automates recruitment processes to improve hiring efficiency and employee retention for businesses reliant on hourly workers.[1][3][5] It builds tools like virtual recruiter JoJo for applicant sourcing, screening, background checks, and predictive matching based on traits of top performers, serving sectors such as quick-service restaurants, hospitality, convenience stores, grocery, home health, and call centers.[1][2][5] By identifying candidates likely to succeed and stay long-term without resumes or bias-heavy interviews, Sprockets solves high-turnover challenges in hourly hiring, integrating seamlessly with existing HR systems like Paradox and JazzHR.[3][5] With around 71 employees and $14.9 million in revenue, it demonstrates strong growth momentum, backed by investors including SC Launch Inc., Lytical Ventures, and VentureSouth.[3][6]
Founded in 2013 in Charleston, South Carolina (headquartered in Mount Pleasant), Sprockets emerged from recognizing inefficiencies in hourly workforce hiring for industries like restaurants and hospitality.[1][2][3] CEO AJ Richichi led the team in developing software that streamlined recruiting, screening, tracking, and retention, turning complex processes turn-key.[2] Early traction came via SCRA membership in 2017 with a $75,000 grant, followed by a $125,000 investment from SC Launch Inc. in 2019, marking its entry as a portfolio company and highlighting pivotal support from South Carolina's innovation ecosystem.[2] This backing, combined with collaborative guidance, fueled its evolution into an AI-driven platform trusted by major brands.[2][6]
Sprockets rides the wave of AI-driven HR automation, addressing acute labor shortages and turnover in hourly sectors amid post-pandemic workforce shifts.[1][2][5] Timing is ideal as generative AI matures for recruitment—similar to competitors like LANDED and GrayScale—enabling precise, bias-reduced hiring when 70-90% of restaurant turnover stems from poor fits.[1][2] Market forces like rising wage pressures and gig economy growth favor its model, influencing the ecosystem by modernizing legacy processes for 4 million+ U.S. hourly jobs in targeted industries.[2] As part of South Carolina's tech hub via SCRA/SC Launch, it exemplifies regional innovation scaling nationally.[2][6]
Sprockets is poised for expansion by deepening AI capabilities, like advanced predictive analytics and broader integrations, to capture more of the $100B+ HR tech market.[3][5] Trends such as AI regulation, multimodal hiring (e.g., video/text analysis), and economic volatility will shape its path, potentially driving acquisitions or partnerships with enterprise HR giants.[1][5] Its influence may evolve from niche hourly hiring to full talent lifecycle management, solidifying its role in building resilient workforces—just as its sprocket metaphor ensures the right gears mesh for enduring success.[6]
